Discover Ilkley- The Origins of Ilkley Trail
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
Discover Ilkley provide trails around Ilkley that you can download direct on to your phone.
The Origins of Ilkley Trail enables you to go back in time to meet Sir Peter de Middleton to hear about his influence on the town today. Ellis Ickeringill shares how Ilkley became a famous spa town and there’s also virtual appearances from Donkey Jackson, Rombald the Giant, a Roman Soldier and the Goddess Verbeia. Our interactive trails deliver a fun experience for all the family.
The younger visitors to Ilkley can discover hidden bugs and interactive characters around the town with the seasonal trails: Spring into Ilkley Trail and the Summer Wild Explorers Trail.
We also have a great selection of downloadable trail guides below for all-year-round adventure!
Visit the website to find out more and how to download the app to your phone>
Muppett's Rambles- a guide to local walks
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
A booklet has been created by CNet, Muppett’s Rambles, with descriptions of 14 walks along with information of the local history including details of buses and trains to and from these walks from Bradford City Centre, Shipley, Bingley, and Keighley, as well as Ilkley and Wharfedale). A number of recipes, the ingredients for which can be foraged on the walks can also be found in the booklet and finally it also contains links to numerous other walks around the local countryside.
Printed copies of Muppett’s Rambles can be requested from CNet – 01274 305045, or a pdf version can also be views here>
Ilkley Blue Plaques Trail
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
The Ilkley Blue Plaques Trail takes you around the town of Ilkley and there you will be able to see all the buildings that have shaped Ilkley. So, why not celebrate the history of Ilkley and enjoy the trail. It could be an excellent activity to do with the kids during the school holidays too. Have fun hunting the blue plaques!
Here you can see the trail and a map on the Ilkley Manor House website>
Ilkley Tree Trail Walks
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
Ilkley Tree Trails have been inspired and supported by Climate Action Ilkley and Ilkley BID.
There are five different trails around Ilkley and are on mostly flat ground and of a fairly short distance. They are a fantastic way to appreciate the nature and wildlife that is on your doorstep.
Information regarding the different trails are available in free booklets from The Grove Bookshop, the Visitor’s Centre and Clarke Foley Centre, from the Ilkley Trees website or you can download them here.
- Introduction to Trees>
- Ben Rhydding Trail>
- Darwin Gardens and the Moor>
- Town Centre Trees>
- Trees in Winter>
River Wharfe & Leathley Farm Shop
CYCLING ROUTE
Grading | Easy
A delightful ride along the back roads by the River Wharfe to the Leathley Farm Shop & Café for tea or coffee and delicious cake. The return is through the market town of Otley and the village of Burley in Wharfedale
- Surfaces: paved, even surfaces.
- Type of bike: suitable for any.
- Circular route.
- Points of interest: Market town of Otley, village of Burley
- Refreshments: Leathley Farm Shop, serveral cafes in Otley and Burley
- Parking: On-road parking on the Denton Road by the Old Bridge, Ilkley
- Toilets: Public toilets at the Riverside Hotel near the start and at cafes en route
Burley Goit & Weir
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
This is the perfect Sunday afternoon stroll walk for all the family that takes you from the village towards the river to the goit and weir and back into the village again. Wildlife (in particular herons) can be spotted by the weir and there are stepping stones across to the north bank that you could brave crossing too. However, please ensure they are safe to cross before doing so. Especially as there are some very deep pools near them. If you do cross them, we recommend only doing it in appropriate footwear and during mild weather.
- Accessibility: Majority of the route is paved and even, unpaved, uneven path for only a short distance. There is a kissing gate at one point of the walk.
- Points of Interest: Burley village, recreation ground, Greenholme Mill, views of Burley moor, goit, weir, wildlife, views of Otley Chevin and Stepping Stones.
- Dog friendly
- Child friendly
- Walking boots recommended as part of the walk is uneven and can also be muddy.
- Refreshments: Cock Pit Farm Tea Rooms, The Red Lion Hotel, The Queens Head, Arlo and The Coffee Tree.
- Train station: Burley-in-Wharfedale train station is regularly served by trains from Ilkley, Bradford and Leeds, and is a 10 minute walk from the starting point at Queen's Hall.
- Parking: Queens Hall car park, 211 Main Street car park, on street parking in the village and Scalebor car park.
- Toilets: There is a public toilet at Queens Hall and in the refreshment stops.
Step-by-step guide: Burley Goit & Weir
Step 2
Continue past the houses and through the barriers to go under the bypass.
Step 3
Turn left onto Great Pasture Lane, then look out for the green sign indicating the narrow footpath.
Step 5
Once you reach a right hand turn, take a moment to have a look at the weir, you can climb up onto a viewing platform for a better view, before you go back and rejoin the path in the same direction.
Step 6
Continue past a green metal gateway and a converted church.
Step 7
Take the path to the left to pass under the bypass again.
Ilkley Cemetery along the River Wharfe to the Stepping Stones
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
A short, easy walk that would be perfect for the whole family. There’s lots of wildlife to see (if you’re lucky maybe an otter or two) and pretty areas near the river for children to explore (please make sure they are supervised at all times near the water). If you’re all feeling brave enough and the tide is low enough, you could attempt the stepping stones across the Wharfe. However, do not attempt to do this in wet weather and you will need to wear sensible shoes. Please be aware that the tide rises and falls quite quickly on the Wharfe.
- Accessibility: A mix of paved and unpaved paths. Some areas of the path are very uneven, so possibly not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- Points of Interest: Ilkley cemetery, pebble beaches, suspension bridge, River Wharfe, Beanlands Island and Stepping Stones.
- Dog friendly
- Child friendly
- Refreshments: No refreshments available, take your own with you.
- Parking: Ilkley Wharfe View car park, some on street parking on Beanlands parade.
- Toilets: No public toilets en route, but there are toilets in Booths supermarket nearby.
Step-by-step guide: Ilkley Cemetery along the River Wharfe to the Stepping Stones
Step 1
From the bottom corner of Ilkley Cemetery, take the exit to the River Wharfe and turn right to follow the river downstream.
Step 2
Continue on this river path past the pebbly beach (great for skimming stones!) and past the iron footbridge.
Step 3
You'll reach an area where the river splits and part goes around Beanlands Island. You can cross over on the rocks when the water level is low and meander through the island instead of sticking to the main path.
Step 9
You'll soon see the Stepping Stones ahead (unless the water level is above them!)
Step 10
You can cross the Stepping Stones there and back if you're up for the challenge! Otherwise, turn righth where the riverside path ends to go up the short hill to Leeds Road.
Bolton Abbey
CYCLING ROUTE
Grading | Easy
This lovely circular bike route is ideal for someone just starting to get into cycling as there are no significant hills and it is all on even paving. Cycle from the Old Bridge in Ilkley, taking a route where you’ll never be that far from the River Wharfe, up to Bolton Bridge and back through Addingham to the bridge in Ilkley again.
- Surfaces: paved, even surfaces.
- Type of bike: suitable for any.
- Circular route.
- Points of interest: Ilkley Golf Club, the village of Addingham, the River Wharfe.
- Refreshments: Abbey Tea Rooms, The Fleece Inn, The Joyful Deli, Ilkley Moor Vaults, Ilkley Riverside Hotel, Ice Creams near the Old Bridge, Ilkley!
- Parking: Riverside Gardens Car park, some on-road parking near Old Bridge Nursery.
- Toilets: Public toilets near the Riverside Hotel and at the places of refreshment listed.
Riverside Gardens
WALK ROUTE
Grading | Easy
The perfect genteel walk for all the family. This walk is especially perfect for children as there’s lots for them to see and do on the way from the newly built riverside playground, paddling in the river and playing on the pebble beaches to feeding ducks and even having a skate in the skatepark.
- Accessibility: Mainly even, paved surfaces. In wet weather, wheelchair users may want to use an alternative route along Denton Road to join the Suspension bridge. Wheelchair users will also need to veer to the left just before the steps to access the Old Bridge.
- Points of Interest: River Wharfe, skatepark, pebble beaches, Ilkley Lido, suspension bridge, Ilkley Cemetery, playground, gardens, Old Bridge Nursery
- Dog friendly
- Child friendly
- Refreshments: Riverside Hotel where you can eat at the restaurant or have fish ‘n’ chips and ice cream as a takeaway, two ice cream vans en route.
- Parking: Riverside Gardens car park, on-street parking on New Brook Street bridge, near the cemetery, Ilkley Wharfe View car park, and some spaces on the road near the nursery.
- Toilets: Public toilets by the Riverside Hotel.